Add estimate items from the cost database
- Go to Leads or Projects and select the lead or project in the Quick Select section.
- On the Lead or Project Home page, select Estimates in the Preconstruction section.
- Select the estimate number or title from the list.
- Select View Estimate.
- Within the estimate, select the Items tab.
- Select Add / Import > Add From Cost Database.
- In the Target Cost Code do one of the following:
- Select Use Existing Cost Code and select a cost code from the dropdown.
- Select Auto Populate Cost Code using Cost DB Item Classification, then select the cost code classification system and the desired cost code level (Division, Major, Minor, Subminor, or Lowest).
The default selection is inherited from the Estimate Properties Details page, but it can be modified as needed.
- If locations have been enabled for the estimate, select the target Location from the dropdown.
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In the Cost Database section, do the following:
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Select either Local or an RSMeans database.
Local refers to your organization’s internal cost database within Sage Construction Management, while RSMeans is a fee‑based add‑on that provides industry‑standard cost data.
RSMeans is a widely used construction cost database that provides standardized cost data for materials, labor, equipment, transportation, and storage. Sage Construction Management Estimating supports the integration of RSMeans data, allowing RSMeans line items to be directly added to estimates. RSMeans databases include more than 90,000 cost items and incorporate over 1,000 geographic location factors across North America to support localized pricing. RSMeans databases are available as an add‑on to your account. To inquire about licensing and availability, contact sales. - Select one of the following items from the dropdown:
- Labor
- Equipment
- Work Item
This the default selection.
- Assemblies
- Crews
- Select one of the following methods to filter the item list:
- Select Text Search from the dropdown and enter the text in the field.
This search includes the Code, Description, and Manufacturer fields.
- Select a cost code classification system from the dropdown, then select the magnifying glass icon (
) and select up to five (5) codes in the dialog.
- Select Text Search from the dropdown and enter the text in the field.
- Select Get Items.
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- Select one or more items from the list.
- Optionally, enter the Quantity for each item.
The default value is 0, but it can be updated after the items are added to the estimate.
- Select Add & Close.
Alternatively, select Add if you want to include additional items in the estimate using a different filter method.
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RSMeans unit costs are stored in the Work Items table.
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Cost code classification system
The 2018–2025 RSMeans Cost Databases use the CSI MasterFormat 2016 cost code classification system.
If you use an RSMeans subscription, the cost code list uploaded in Sage Construction Management must be labeled CSI 2016 (with a space). Use the CSI 2016 label even when working with newer CSI versions, such as CSI 2025. This CSI 2016 cost code list must be used for cost database work, labor, and equipment items to enable default estimating dimensions. This label is not required if RSMeans is not used.
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When selecting codes for filtering, drill down to the lowest level possible, such as minor or subminor. RSMeans databases contain thousands of items, and using more granular classifications helps ensure more accurate and efficient results.
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Unit costs, also referred to as assembly components, are stored in the Work Items table.
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Assemblies are stored separately in the Work Assembly table.
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Assemblies use the UniFormat master cost code classification system.
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When selecting codes for filtering, drill down to the lowest level possible, such as minor or subminor. RSMeans databases contain thousands of assemblies, and using more granular classifications improves accuracy and performance.